{{Dialogue a-b|Harry|But Hagrid. How am I going to pay for all of this? I haven't any money.|Hagrid|Well there's your money, Harry! Gringotts, the wizard bank! Ain't no safer place. Not one. Except perhaps [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]].|[[Rubeus Hagrid]] to [[Harry Potter]]|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)}}

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{{Dialogue a-b|Harry|But Hagrid. How am I going to pay for all of this? I haven't any money.|Hagrid|Well there's your money, Harry! Gringotts, the wizard bank! Ain't no safer place. Not one. Except perhaps [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]].|[[Rubeus Hagrid]] to [[Harry Potter]].|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)}}

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'''Gringotts Wizarding Bank''' is the only bank of the [[wizarding world]], and is owned and operated by [[goblin]]s. It was created by a goblin called [[Gringott]]. Its main offices are located in [[Diagon Alley North Side|North Side]], [[Diagon Alley]] in [[London]], [[England]]. In addition to storing money and valuables for [[Wizards|wizards and witches]], one can go there to exchange [[Muggle money]] for [[Wizarding currency|wizarding money]]. The currency exchanged by [[Muggle]]s is later returned to circulation in the [[Muggle world]] by goblins.<ref name="AOLLive">[http://www.cesnur.org/2001/potter/march_03.htm AOL Live Interview with J. K. Rowling - October 19, 2000]</ref> According to [[Rubeus Hagrid]], other than [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], Gringotts is the safest place in the wizarding world.

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'''Gringotts Wizarding Bank''' is the only bank of the [[wizarding world]], and is owned and operated by [[goblin]]s. It was created by a goblin called [[Gringott]], in [[1470s|1474]]. Its main offices are located in the [[Diagon Alley North Side|North Side]] of [[Diagon Alley]] in [[London]], [[England]]. In addition to storing money and valuables for [[Wizards|wizards and witches]], one can go there to exchange [[Muggle money]] for [[Wizarding currency|wizarding money]]. The currency exchanged by [[Muggle]]s is later returned to circulation in the [[Muggle world]] by goblins.<ref name="AOLLive">[http://www.cesnur.org/2001/potter/march_03.htm AOL Live Interview with J. K. Rowling - October 19, 2000]</ref> According to [[Rubeus Hagrid]], other than [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], Gringotts is the safest place in the wizarding world.

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The motto of Gringotts Wizarding Bank is "''Fortius Quo Fidelius''", a [[latin]] phrase that means "Strength through loyalty".<ref name="MoHP">''[[The Making of Harry Potter]]'' - see [[:File:BankRuneCredit.png|this image]]</ref>

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The motto of Gringotts Wizarding Bank is ''Fortius Quo Fidelius'', a [[Latin]] phrase that means "Strength through loyalty".<ref name="MoHP">''[[The Making of Harry Potter]]'' - See [[:File:BankRuneCredit.png|this image]]</ref>

The bank was created by [[Gringott]] at some point in his life. <ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)]]'' - [[Gringott]] Wizard Card</ref> The bank was then put at the hands of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]]. In [[1860s|1865]], the Ministry decided to put full control of Gringotts back in [[goblin]] hands.<ref>Third question of the Third [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]] at [[J.K.Rowling Official Site|J.K. Rowling's Official Site]]</ref>

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The bank was created by [[Gringott]]<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)]]'' - [[Gringott]] Wizard Card</ref> in [[1470s|1474]].<ref name="WWoHP">''[[The Wizarding World of Harry Potter]]'' {{see image|File:Gringotts1474Ref.png}}</ref> The bank was then put in the hands of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] at an unspecified time, although by the [[16th century|1500s]] it already had some degree of [[Wizardkind|wizarding]] management — [[Tertius]] applied for the job of [[Curse-Breaker]] to two wizards who were discussing job vacancies at the door to Gringotts.<ref>''[[Wonderbook: Book of Potions]]''</ref> In [[1860s|1865]], the Ministry decided to put full control of Gringotts back in [[goblin]] hands.<ref>Third question of the Third [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]] at [[J.K.Rowling Official Site|J.K. Rowling's Official Site]]</ref>

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During [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]]&apos;s control of the Ministry ([[1997]] to [[1998]]), the bank was put yet again under the Ministry.<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref> With the defeat of Voldemort and the end of the [[Second Wizarding War]], Gringotts was presumably put back into Goblin management.

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During [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]]'s control of the Ministry ([[1997]] to [[1998]]), the bank was put yet again under the Ministry.<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref> With the defeat of Voldemort and the end of the [[Second Wizarding War]], Gringotts was presumably put back into Goblin management.

So far, there have only been two known [[Gringotts Break-In|break-ins]] and theft (or attempted theft) of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, with one taking placing in [[1991]] and another in [[1998]].

So far, there have only been two known [[Gringotts Break-In|break-ins]] and theft (or attempted theft) of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, with one taking placing in [[1991]] and another in [[1998]].

====1991 Break-In====

====1991 Break-In====

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[[File:DailyProphetGringottsCover.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Daily Prophet]] article about the break-in]]

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[[File:DailyProphetGringottsCover.png|thumb|250x250px|[[Daily Prophet]] article about the break-in.]]

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The [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1991)|break-in of 1991]] was committed by [[Quirinus Quirrell]], who was attempting to steal an object from [[Vault 713]]. The vault, one of the higher-security ones, held a small grubby bag, inside of which was the [[Philosopher's Stone]]. [[Albus Dumbledore]] sent [[Rubeus Hagrid]] to retrieve it while the latter was escorting [[Harry Potter]] to [[Diagon Alley]]. Later that very same day, someone, apparently a very powerful wizard, broke into the vault. Although he was unsuccessful in obtaining the Philosopher&apos;s Stone, the break-in shocked the Wizarding world because it was practically unheard of for Gringotts to be robbed. The culprit was not caught, though it is later learned Quirrell broke into the vault acting under orders from [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]].

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The [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1991)|break-in of 1991]] was committed by [[Quirinus Quirrell]], who was attempting to steal an object from [[Vault 713]]. The vault, one of the higher-security ones, held a small grubby bag, inside of which was the [[Philosopher's Stone]]. [[Albus Dumbledore]] sent [[Rubeus Hagrid]] to retrieve it while the latter was escorting [[Harry Potter]] to [[Diagon Alley]]. Later that very same day, someone, apparently a very powerful wizard, broke into the vault. Although he was unsuccessful in obtaining the Philosopher's Stone, the break-in shocked the Wizarding world because it was practically unheard of for Gringotts to be robbed. The culprit was not caught, though it is later learned Quirrell broke into the vault acting under orders from [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]].

====1998 Break-In====

====1998 Break-In====

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[[File:Hpdh2-08970.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Griphook]] (left), [[Bogrod]] (center), and [[Hermione Granger]] during the break-in]]

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[[File:Hpdh2-08970.jpg|thumb|left|240x240px|[[Griphook]] (left), [[Bogrod]] (centre), and [[Hermione Granger]] during the break-in.]]

The [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|break-in of 1998]] was committed by [[Harry Potter]], [[Hermione Granger]], and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]]. Harry, Ron, and Hermione, aided by a reluctant [[Griphook]] in exchange for [[Godric Gryffindor's sword]], broke into [[Lestrange Vault|the vault]] of [[Bellatrix Lestrange]] where one of Lord Voldemort's [[Horcrux]]es, [[Helga Hufflepuff's cup]], was hidden. However, when they went into Bellatrix's vault, which was stocked with all manners of treasure, they found out that the treasure had the [[Gemino Curse|Gemino]] and [[Flagrante Curse|Flagrante]] charms placed on it. Though burned and nearly buried in false treasures, the Trio managed to escape with the Horcrux by fleeing on a [[Ukrainian Ironbelly at Gringotts|half-blind dragon]] that was part of the security for the vault, leaving parts of the bank in ruins.

The [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|break-in of 1998]] was committed by [[Harry Potter]], [[Hermione Granger]], and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]]. Harry, Ron, and Hermione, aided by a reluctant [[Griphook]] in exchange for [[Godric Gryffindor's sword]], broke into [[Lestrange Vault|the vault]] of [[Bellatrix Lestrange]] where one of Lord Voldemort's [[Horcrux]]es, [[Helga Hufflepuff's cup]], was hidden. However, when they went into Bellatrix's vault, which was stocked with all manners of treasure, they found out that the treasure had the [[Gemino Curse|Gemino]] and [[Flagrante Curse|Flagrante]] charms placed on it. Though burned and nearly buried in false treasures, the Trio managed to escape with the Horcrux by fleeing on a [[Ukrainian Ironbelly at Gringotts|half-blind dragon]] that was part of the security for the vault, leaving parts of the bank in ruins.

==Description==

==Description==

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[[File:Gringotts_bank.jpg|thumb|250px|The façade of Gringotts as seen from [[Diagon Alley]].]]

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[[File:Gringotts_bank.jpg|thumb|244x244px|The façade of Gringotts as seen from [[Diagon Alley]].]]

Gringotts is an imposing snow-white multistoried marble building located partway down [[Diagon Alley]], near its intersection with [[Knockturn Alley]], that towers over the neighbouring shops. It is the place where British witches and wizards store their money and other valuables, in heavily-guarded vaults miles below ground.

Gringotts is an imposing snow-white multistoried marble building located partway down [[Diagon Alley]], near its intersection with [[Knockturn Alley]], that towers over the neighbouring shops. It is the place where British witches and wizards store their money and other valuables, in heavily-guarded vaults miles below ground.

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When [[Harry Potter]] first visits Gringotts, he is told by [[Rubeus Hagrid|Hagrid]] that one would have to be mad to try to rob Gringotts and that, apart from [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], it&apos;s the safest place for anything valuable to be kept. Goblins are extremely greedy and would protect their money and valuables at any cost, which makes them ideal guardians for the valuables of the wizarding world. The goblins have a code that forbids them to speak of the bank&apos;s secrets, and would consider it "base treachery" to break any part of that code.[[File:Gringottsentrancehall.png|thumb|250px|Gringotts marble entrance hall]]

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When [[Harry Potter]] first visits Gringotts, he is told by [[Rubeus Hagrid|Hagrid]] that one would have to be mad to try to rob Gringotts and that, apart from [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], it's the safest place for anything valuable to be kept. Goblins are extremely greedy and would protect their money and valuables at any cost, which makes them ideal guardians for the valuables of the wizarding world. The goblins have a code that forbids them to speak of the bank's secrets, and would consider it "base treachery" to break any part of that code.

The centuries-old bank is run by [[goblins]], and they alone know the secrets of the twisting underground passages and the enchantments and creatures in place to defend against intruders. There was a rumour that [[Cornelius Fudge]] was trying to take over Gringotts when he was [[Minister for Magic]]; however, as it was published in [[The Quibbler]], it was likely unsubstantiated.

The centuries-old bank is run by [[goblins]], and they alone know the secrets of the twisting underground passages and the enchantments and creatures in place to defend against intruders. There was a rumour that [[Cornelius Fudge]] was trying to take over Gringotts when he was [[Minister for Magic]]; however, as it was published in [[The Quibbler]], it was likely unsubstantiated.

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From Diagon Alley, a set of white stairs leads up to a set of burnished bronze doors. The doors are flanked by a goblin in a uniform of scarlet and gold, though during the [[Second Wizarding War]] the goblin was replaced instead by two [[Gringotts Bank guards|wizard guards]] with [[Probity Probe]]s. This is the entrance to Gringotts, and it leads into a small entrance hall and another set of doors. Engraved on these silver doors are the words:

From Diagon Alley, a set of white stairs leads up to a set of burnished bronze doors. The doors are flanked by a goblin in a uniform of scarlet and gold, though during the [[Second Wizarding War]] the goblin was replaced instead by two [[Gringotts Bank guards|wizard guards]] with [[Probity Probe]]s. This is the entrance to Gringotts, and it leads into a small entrance hall and another set of doors. Engraved on these silver doors are the words:

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<p style="text-align: center;">''Enter, stranger, but take heed<br />''''Of what awaits the sin of greed<br />''''For those who take, but do not earn,<br />''''Must pay most dearly in their turn.<br />''''So if you seek beneath our floors<br />''''A treasure that was never yours,<br />''''Thief, you have been warned, beware<br />''''Of finding more than treasure there.<br />''</p>

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<p style="text-align: center;">''Enter, stranger, but take heed''<br />''Of what awaits the sin of greed''<br />''For those who take, but do not earn,''<br />''Must pay most dearly in their turn.''<br />''So if you seek beneath our floors''<br />''A treasure that was never yours,''<br />''Thief, you have been warned, beware''<br />''Of finding more than treasure there.''<br /></p>

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[[File:Background.jpg|thumb|left|Inside Gringotts Bank]]

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[[File:Background.jpg|thumb|left|230x230px|Inside Gringotts Bank.]]

Through these doors, also flanked with goblins, is a vast marble hall long counters stretching along its length with doors leading off to the vault passageways with around a hundred goblins sitting at them. The vaults extend for miles under the city and are accessible through rough stone, complex and interconnected passageways by means of [[Mine Cart|magic carts]] that are operated by goblins. [[Dragon]]s and other mysterious beasts lurk in the depths as additional security devices.

Through these doors, also flanked with goblins, is a vast marble hall long counters stretching along its length with doors leading off to the vault passageways with around a hundred goblins sitting at them. The vaults extend for miles under the city and are accessible through rough stone, complex and interconnected passageways by means of [[Mine Cart|magic carts]] that are operated by goblins. [[Dragon]]s and other mysterious beasts lurk in the depths as additional security devices.

==The Gringotts Vaults==

==The Gringotts Vaults==

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[[File:Gringotts_cart_02.gif|thumb|250px|A goblin cart going past Harry's vault as hewalksto it]]In contrast to the grand marble of the entryway and the main hall, the passageways to the vaults are stone and dimly lit with flaming torches. They slope down to a track, upon which run little carts controlled by the goblins. These carts take visitors deep beneath the surface of the earth, through a "maze of twisting passages," to the vaults. The carts go very quickly, which makes Hagrid a little queasy and prevents its occupants from getting a good look at their surroundings, and seem to run on a vast, complex, interconnected series of tracks that allow them to move to and between any vaults.

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[[File:Gringotts_cart_02.gif|thumb|229x229px|A goblin cart travelling past vault seven-hundred and thirteen, containing the [[Philosopher's Stone]], as Harry,Hagridand Griphook walk towards it.]]In contrast to the grand [[marble]] of the entryway and the main hall, the passageways to the vaults are stone and dimly lit with flaming torches. They slope down to a track, upon which run little carts controlled by the goblins. These carts take visitors deep beneath the surface of the earth, through a "maze of twisting passages," to the vaults. The carts go very quickly, which makes Hagrid a little queasy and prevents its occupants from getting a good look at their surroundings, and seem to run on a vast, complex, interconnected series of tracks that allow them to move to and between any vaults.

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The vaults themselves vary in size and security. The largest, most well protected vaults belong to the oldest wizarding families and lie deepest beneath the surface. Those vaults closer to the surface seem to be smaller and have fewer security precautions surrounding them - they use keys, for example, rather than requiring the touch of a goblin to gain access. The rules around who is allowed to access vaults seem to change; sometimes wizards are asked for identification or a key to be allowed access, yet both [[Molly Weasley]] and [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] are able to get gold from Harry&apos;s vault for him.

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The vaults themselves vary in size and security. The largest, most well protected vaults belong to the oldest wizarding families and lie deepest beneath the surface. Those vaults closer to the surface seem to be smaller and have fewer security precautions surrounding them - they use keys, for example, rather than requiring the touch of a goblin to gain access. The rules around who is allowed to access vaults seem to change; sometimes wizards are asked for identification or a key to be allowed access, yet both [[Molly Weasley]] and [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] are able to get gold from Harry's vault for him.

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It is possible there is a charm forcing the wizard to give the gold to its rightful owner. However, even this wouldn&apos;t explain how [[Sirius Black|Sirius]] was able to order a Firebolt in Harry&apos;s name, but take the gold from his own vault - despite being an escaped convict at the time. It also seems that only blood relations can inherit a Gringotts vault; [[Albus Dumbledore]] implies strongly that when Sirius died as the last of the Black family line, his vault was cleaned out and its contents added to Harry&apos;s, rather than Harry inheriting the vault as well. There are several vaults that are known specifically:

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It is possible there is a charm forcing the wizard to give the gold to its rightful owner. However, even this wouldn't explain how [[Sirius Black|Sirius]] was able to order a Firebolt in Harry's name, but take the gold from his own vault - despite being an escaped convict at the time. It also seems that only blood relations can inherit a Gringotts vault; [[Albus Dumbledore]] implies strongly that when Sirius died as the last of the Black family line, his vault was cleaned out and its contents added to Harry's, rather than Harry inheriting the vault as well. There are several vaults that are known specifically:

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===Vault 1===

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{{Main|Vault 1}}

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This vault is known to contain lots and lots of [[Knut]]s inside it and people have to use the [[Mine Cart]] to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of [[Ruby|Rubies]], [[Emerald]]s, [[Sapphire]]s, yellow gems and [[Diamond]]s.

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===Vault 2===

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{{Main|Vault 2}}

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This vault is known to contain lots and lots of [[Sickle]]s inside it and people have to use the [[Mine Cart]] to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of [[Ruby|Rubies]], [[Emerald]]s, [[Sapphire]]s, yellow gems and [[Diamond]]s.

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===Vault 3===

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{{Main|Vault 3}}

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This vault is known to contain lots and lots of [[Galleon]]s inside it and people have to use the [[Mine Cart]] to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of [[Ruby|Rubies]], [[Emerald]]s, [[Sapphire]]s, yellow gems and [[Diamond]]s.

===Weasley Vault===

===Weasley Vault===

{{Main|Weasley Vault}}

{{Main|Weasley Vault}}

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The [[Weasley family]] has [[Weasley Vault|a vault]] that is closer to the surface than [[Harry Potter]]&apos;s [[Vault 687|vault]], and had fewer security measures. When the Weasleys entered it in the summer of [[1992]], the vault contained only a small pile of [[Sickle]]s and a single [[Galleon]], all of which [[Molly Weasley]] took out.<ref name="CS4">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'', Ch. 4</ref>

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The [[Weasley family]] has [[Weasley Vault|a vault]] that is closer to the surface than [[Harry Potter]]'s [[Vault 687|vault]], and had fewer security measures. When the Weasleys entered it in the summer of [[1992]], the vault contained only a small pile of [[Sickle]]s and a single [[Galleon]], all of which [[Molly Weasley]] took out.<ref name="CS4">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'', Ch. 4</ref>

===Vault 687===

===Vault 687===

{{Main|Vault 687}}

{{Main|Vault 687}}

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[[File:Vault 687.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Harry Potter]] being escorted to his vault in [[1991]].]]

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[[File:Vault_687.jpg|thumb|left|215x215px|[[Harry Potter]] being escorted to his vault in [[1991]].]]

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[[Harry Potter]] first ventured to Gringotts in [[1991]], when he learned that his late [[James and Lily Potter|parents]] had left him a great deal of money in a vault. This was fortunate for Harry, since his [[Petunia Dursley|Aunt Petunia]] and his [[Vernon Dursley|Uncle Vernon]] would have surely taken most, if not all, as "proper compensation" for "opening their home" to him. While they would have had to exchange it for Muggle money, this appears to not be very difficult, as shown when [[Hermione Granger]]&apos;s parents did so while paying for her school supplies.

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[[Harry Potter]] first ventured to Gringotts in [[1991]], when he learned that his late [[James and Lily Potter|parents]] had left him a great deal of money in a vault. This was fortunate for Harry, since his [[Petunia Dursley|Aunt Petunia]] and his [[Vernon Dursley|Uncle Vernon]] would have surely taken most, if not all, as "proper compensation" for "opening their home" to him. While they would have had to exchange it for Muggle money, this appears to not be very difficult, as shown when [[Hermione Granger]]'s parents did so while paying for her school supplies.

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Harry&apos;s vault required a key for entry, and was at a moderate depth — further down than the [[Weasley Vault]], but not as far as [[Vault 713]]. It also had fewer security measures than deeper vaults.<ref name="PS5">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'', Ch. 5</ref>

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Harry's vault required a key for entry, and was at a moderate depth — further down than the [[Weasley Vault]], but not as far as [[Vault 713]]. It also had fewer security measures than deeper vaults.<ref name="PS5">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'', Ch. 5</ref>

===Vault 711===

===Vault 711===

{{Main|Vault 711}}

{{Main|Vault 711}}

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[[Vault 711]] belonged to [[Sirius Black]], and perhaps to the [[House of Black|Black family]] in general. Sirius used gold from his vault to pay for [[Harry Potter]]&apos;s [[Firebolt]] in [[1993]]<ref name="PA22">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', Ch. 22</ref>. In [[1996]], it contained a "reasonable amount of gold"<ref name="HBP3">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'', Ch. 3</ref>. Given its depth, it is likely a high-security vault. Upon Sirius&apos; death, he left all the money in the vault to Harry in his will.

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[[Vault 711]] belonged to [[Sirius Black]], and perhaps to the [[House of Black|Black family]] in general. Sirius used gold from his vault to pay for [[Harry Potter]]'s [[Firebolt]] in [[1993]].<ref name="PA22">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', Ch. 22</ref> In [[1996]], it contained a "reasonable amount of gold".<ref name="HBP3">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'', Ch. 3</ref> Given its depth, it is likely a high-security vault. Upon Sirius' death, he left all the money in the vault to Harry in his will.

===Vault 712===

===Vault 712===

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===Vault 713===

===Vault 713===

{{Main|Vault 713}}

{{Main|Vault 713}}

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[[File:Vault_713.jpg|thumb|250px|The door to Vault 713.]]

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[[File:Vault_713.jpg|thumb|230x230px|The door to Vault 713.]]

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[[Vault 713]], a higher-security vault, held a small grubby bag, inside of which was the [[Philosopher's Stone|Philosopher&apos;s Stone]]. [[Rubeus Hagrid]] was charged with moving it from Gringotts to [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] in [[1991]] while he took Harry Potter to [[Diagon Alley]], which he suceeded in doing. Later that very same day, someone, apparently a very powerful wizard, broke into the vault. Although he was unsuccessful in obtaining the Philosopher&apos;s Stone (it having been emptied earlier by Hagrid), the break-in shocked the Wizarding world because it was practically unheard of for Gringotts to be robbed, and the robbery was reported in the ''[[Daily Prophet]]''<ref name="PS5"/>. The culprit was not caught, though we later learn that it was [[Quirinus Quirrell|Professor Quirrell]] acting under orders of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]].

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[[Vault 713]], a higher-security vault, held a small grubby bag, inside of which was the [[Philosopher's Stone]]. [[Rubeus Hagrid]] was charged with moving it from Gringotts to [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] in [[1991]] while he took Harry Potter to [[Diagon Alley]], which he succeeded in doing. Later that very same day, someone, apparently a very powerful wizard, broke into the vault. Although he was unsuccessful in obtaining the Philosopher's Stone (it having been emptied earlier by Hagrid), the break-in shocked the Wizarding world because it was practically unheard of for Gringotts to be robbed, and the robbery was reported in the ''[[Daily Prophet]]''.<ref name="PS5"/> The culprit was not caught, though we later learn that it was [[Quirinus Quirrell|Professor Quirrell]] acting under orders of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]].

===Lestrange Family Vault===

===Lestrange Family Vault===

{{Main|Lestrange Vault}}

{{Main|Lestrange Vault}}

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[[File:Harry_Potter_Bella_Vault_HP7_Pt2.jpg|thumb|250px|The trio together with the other two goblins in Lestrange's Vault]]

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[[File:Harry_Potter_Bella_Vault_HP7_Pt2.jpg|thumb|left|238x238px|The trio together with the other two goblins in Lestrange's Vault.]]

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The [[Lestrange family|Lestranges]], a very old [[pure-blood]] family, had a vault in Gringotts guarded by a [[dragon]] and full of treasure protected by the [[Geminio]] and [[Flagrante]] curses. It, at one point, was used to store the sword of [[Godric Gryffindor]], unknown to the Lestrange&apos;s that it was actually a fake. It also served as the hiding place for [[Helga Hufflepuff's Cup|Helga Hufflepuff&apos;s Cup]], one of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]&apos;s [[Horcrux]]es. It was this item that Harry, [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] sought to steal when they [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|broke into Gringotts]] in [[1998]]. They managed to steal the cup, severely damaged the cavernous interior and freed a [[dragon]] while escaping.

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The [[Lestrange family|Lestranges]], a very old [[pure-blood]] family, had a vault in Gringotts guarded by a [[dragon]] and full of treasure protected by the [[Geminio]] and [[Flagrante]] curses. It, at one point, was used to store the sword of [[Godric Gryffindor]], unknown to the Lestrange's that it was actually a fake. It also served as the hiding place for [[Helga Hufflepuff's Cup]], one of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Horcrux]]es. It was this item that Harry, [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] sought to steal when they [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|broke into Gringotts]] in [[1998]]. They managed to steal the cup, severely damaged the cavernous interior and freed a [[dragon]] while escaping.

The security of this vault was even higher than that of [[Vault 713]], as a goblin had to place his entire palm on the door to open it, rather than just a finger, and it was guarded by a dragon. Each item in the vault was also enchanted with the [[Flagrante]] and [[Gemino Curse]]s, which meant that thieves would be burned by the objects, which also duplicated until the thief was crushed under the burning weight of the fake treasure.<ref name="DH26"/>

The security of this vault was even higher than that of [[Vault 713]], as a goblin had to place his entire palm on the door to open it, rather than just a finger, and it was guarded by a dragon. Each item in the vault was also enchanted with the [[Flagrante]] and [[Gemino Curse]]s, which meant that thieves would be burned by the objects, which also duplicated until the thief was crushed under the burning weight of the fake treasure.<ref name="DH26"/>

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===Travers&apos;s Vault===

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===Travers' Vault===

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When thetrio [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|broke into Gringotts]], they ran into the [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] named [[Travers]] who was also heading toward the bank. He had a vault that required a key, because he was holding it when he ran into Hermione (disguised as [[Bellatrix Lestrange]]).

+

When [[RonaldWeasley|Ron]],[[Harry James Potter|Harry]] and [[Hermione Granger|Hermione]] [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|broke into Gringotts]], they ran into the [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] named [[Travers]] who was also heading toward the bank. He had a vault that required a key, because he was holding it when he ran into [[Hermione Granger|Hermione]] (disguised as [[Bellatrix Lestrange]]).

==Security==

==Security==

−

[[File:Dragon_attack_Gringotts.JPG|thumb|250px|TheGringottsDragonbreathingfireas it escaped]]

+

{{Quote|Igotitoutofyour vault for you, Harry, because it'staking about five hours for the public to get to their gold at the moment, the goblins have tightened security so much. Two days ago Arkie Philpott had a Probity Probe stuck up his ... Well, trust me, this way's easier.|[[Bill Weasley]] on Gringott's heightened security during the [[Second Wizarding War]]|Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince}}

−

Gringotts uses a variety of security systems. Most lower security vaults, such as [[Harry Potter]]&apos;s, require [[Gringotts vault key|a key]]; higher security vaults require the touch of a certified Gringotts goblin.Highersecurityvaultsmayhave various enchantments upon the doors. For example, the door to [[Vault 713]] needs to be stroked by a certified Gringotts goblin, which causes it to melt away. If anyone but a Gringotts goblin touches the door, the person will be sucked into the vault, which is checked for trapped thieves about once per decade.

Gringotts uses a variety of security systems. Most lower security vaults, such as [[Harry Potter]]'s, require [[Gringotts vault key|a key]]; higher security vaults require the touch of a certified Gringotts goblin. Higher security vaults may have various enchantments upon the doors. For example, the door to [[Vault 713]] needs to be stroked by a certified Gringotts goblin, which causes it to melt away. If anyone but a Gringotts goblin touches the door, the person will be sucked into the vault, which is checked for trapped thieves about once per decade.

−

[[Dragon]]s or [[sphinx]]es guard the highest security vaults such as the [[Lestrange Vault|vault of the Lestrange Family]]. Though affiliated with Gringotts, the Dragons kept there are not actually "tamed" in the traditional way in that they are merely used to discourage intruders and unauthorized persons from approaching the vaults to which these beasts are stationed at; they are "domesticated" in inhumane ways that compels them to retrreat whenever they perceive certain sounds, and They can only be produced by [[Clankers]], which only the goblins possess. Another security measure is the [[Thief's Downfall|Thief&apos;s Downfall]]: a charmed waterfall that the goblin carts must pass through, it cancels all enchantments and magical concealments, and throws the carts off their tracks. Some vaults use the [[Gemino Curse|Gemino]] and [[Flagrante Curse|Flagrante]] charms; when any item is touched by a thief, it multiplies rapidly and burns them, eventually crushing and scorching them to death. Objects within Gringotts cannot be summoned. At times, [[Probity Probe]]s are used on customers to detect enchantments, magical concealments and hidden magical objects

+

[[Dragon]]s or [[sphinx]]es guard the highest security vaults such as the [[Lestrange Vault|vault of the Lestrange Family]]. Though affiliated with Gringotts, the Dragons kept there are not actually "tamed" in the traditional way in that they are merely used to discourage intruders and unauthorised persons from approaching the vaults to which these beasts are stationed at; they are "domesticated" in inhumane ways that compels them to retreat whenever they perceive certain sounds, and They can only be produced by [[Clankers]], which only the goblins possess. Another security measure is the [[Thief's Downfall]]: a charmed waterfall that the goblin carts must pass through, it cancels all enchantments and magical concealments, and throws the carts off their tracks. Some vaults use the [[Gemino Curse|Gemino]] and [[Flagrante Curse|Flagrante]] charms; when any item is touched by a thief, it multiplies rapidly and burns them, eventually crushing and scorching them to death. Objects within Gringotts cannot be summoned. At times, [[Probity Probe]]s are used on customers to detect enchantments, magical concealments and hidden magical objects

−

On his first visit to Gringotts, Harry was told by [[Rubeus Hagrid|Hagrid]] to be cautious. Goblins are extremely greedy and would protect their money and valuables at any cost, which makes them ideal guardians for the valuables of the wizarding world. Ironically, Harry later did [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|rob Gringotts]] with [[Hermione Granger]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]]<ref name="DH26">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'', Ch. 26</ref>, the only known successful theft in the history of the bank, by taking advantage of a [[Griphook|former employee&apos;s]] knowledge of the inner workings of the bank. It is unknown if Harry was able to resume normal business with the bank following Voldemort&apos;s defeat.

+

On his first visit to Gringotts, Harry was told by [[Rubeus Hagrid|Hagrid]] to be cautious. Goblins are extremely greedy and would protect their money and valuables at any cost, which makes them ideal guardians for the valuables of the wizarding world. Ironically, Harry later did [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|rob Gringotts]] with [[Hermione Granger]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]],<ref name="DH26">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'', Ch. 26</ref> the only known successful theft in the history of the bank, by taking advantage of a [[Griphook|former employee's]] knowledge of the inner workings of the bank. It is unknown if Harry was able to resume normal business with the bank following Voldemort's defeat.

==Employment==

==Employment==

−

[[File:Gringotts Goblins.jpg|thumb|250px|Goblins working.]]

+

{{Quote|Are you seeking a challenging career involving travel, adventure, and substantial, danger-related treasure bonuses? Then consider a position with Gringotts Wizarding Bank, who are currently recruiting Curse-Breakers for thrilling opportunities abroad|Pamphlet on Gringotts jobs given to Hogwarts students.|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}[[File:Gringotts_Goblins.png|thumb|left|250px|Goblins working.]]

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{{Quote|Are you seeking a challenging career involving travel, adventure, and substantial, danger-related treasure bonuses? Then consider a position with Gringotts Wizarding Bank, who are currently recruiting Curse-Breakers for thrilling opportunities abroad|Pamphlet on Gringotts jobs given to Hogwarts students.|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}

−

While Gringotts is largely staffed by goblins, including [[Griphook]], [[Bogrod]], and [[Ragnok]], it is known that the bank does employ humans. [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] works as a [[Curse Breaker]] for Gringotts in [[Egypt]], retrieving artefacts from ancient Egyptian tombs and pyramids after his graduation from Hogwarts. When he wanted to do work for the Order of the Phoenix, Bill transferred to a desk job in England to be near home. That same year, [[Fleur Delacour]] took a job at Gringotts as well after participating in the [[Triwizard Tournament]], to improve her English, though she only works part-time.

While Gringotts is largely staffed by goblins, including [[Griphook]], [[Bogrod]], and [[Ragnok]], it is known that the bank does employ humans. [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] works as a [[Curse Breaker]] for Gringotts in [[Egypt]], retrieving artefacts from ancient Egyptian tombs and pyramids after his graduation from Hogwarts. When he wanted to do work for the Order of the Phoenix, Bill transferred to a desk job in England to be near home. That same year, [[Fleur Delacour]] took a job at Gringotts as well after participating in the [[Triwizard Tournament]], to improve her English, though she only works part-time.

−

At least during Harry Potter&apos;s break in of the bank, there seems to be a full-time security force that is comprised of [[Gringotts Bank guards|wizard guards]], and that rushes to the scene when the Lestrange vault was broken into. Despite this, Griphook mentions at that time that the goblins resent "[[wand]]-bearer" interference in their internal affairs.

+

At least during Harry Potter's break in of the bank, there seems to be a full-time security force that is comprised of [[Gringotts Bank guards|wizard guards]], and that rushes to the scene when the Lestrange vault was broken into. Despite this, Griphook mentions at that time that the goblins resent "[[wand]]-bearer" interference in their internal affairs.

===Goblins===

===Goblins===

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*[[File:Goblin.png|thumb|250px|A goblin working at Gringotts]][[Gringott]] - founder of the bank

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[[File:Goblin.png|thumb|232px|A goblin working at Gringotts.]]

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*[[Gringott]] - founder of the bank

*[[Ragnok]]

*[[Ragnok]]

*[[Griphook]]

*[[Griphook]]

Line 120:

Line 120:

*[[Gornuk]]

*[[Gornuk]]

*[[Nagnok]]

*[[Nagnok]]

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*[[Blordak]]

*[[Gringotts Head Goblin]]

*[[Gringotts Head Goblin]]

*[[Unidentified Gringotts Bank teller]]

*[[Unidentified Gringotts Bank teller]]

Line 138:

Line 139:

===Humans===

===Humans===

*[[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] - worked as a curse-breaker for Gringotts in [[Egypt]], retrieving artefacts from ancient Egyptian tombs and pyramids, later took a desk job in [[1995]] to work with the [[Order of the Phoenix]].

*[[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] - worked as a curse-breaker for Gringotts in [[Egypt]], retrieving artefacts from ancient Egyptian tombs and pyramids, later took a desk job in [[1995]] to work with the [[Order of the Phoenix]].

−

*[[Fleur Delacour]] - took a parttime job with Gringotts after participating in the [[Triwizard Tournament]], supposedly to improve her English.

+

*[[Fleur Delacour]] - took a part-time job with Gringotts after participating in the [[Triwizard Tournament]], supposedly to improve her English.

==Competition==

==Competition==

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[[File:Gringotts_New_Logo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The Gringotts seal.]]

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[[File:GringottsLogo.gif|thumb|left|170px|The Gringotts seal.]]

Gringotts has no known competition in the wizarding banking industry, and is most surely a monopoly in Britain. Given that the bank is, according to Rubeus Hagrid, the only wizarding bank in Great Britain, it stands to reason that the goblins would have a tremendous amount of power over the wizarding economy, as goblins are also the force behind minting the wizarding currency, Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts.<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' (Chapter 19, "The Lion and the Sperpent")</ref> It is likely therefore, as goblins tend to be at odds with wizards on political and social levels, that the Ministry of Magic has laws set in place to stop Gringotts intentionally regulating the wizarding economy, likely through the [[Goblin Liaison Office]].

Gringotts has no known competition in the wizarding banking industry, and is most surely a monopoly in Britain. Given that the bank is, according to Rubeus Hagrid, the only wizarding bank in Great Britain, it stands to reason that the goblins would have a tremendous amount of power over the wizarding economy, as goblins are also the force behind minting the wizarding currency, Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts.<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' (Chapter 19, "The Lion and the Sperpent")</ref> It is likely therefore, as goblins tend to be at odds with wizards on political and social levels, that the Ministry of Magic has laws set in place to stop Gringotts intentionally regulating the wizarding economy, likely through the [[Goblin Liaison Office]].

* In [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)| the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]], the interior of the Australia House in London was used for the Gringotts grand entrance hall. For the [[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2| second half of the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]], a set was built at [[Leavesden]] as the scenes involving the dragon would have been impossible to film on location. The set was based on, but not an exact replica, of the Australia House interior (differences include the pattern of the marble floor, the design of the chandeliers, and the studio set has windows).

+

*The [[marble]] tile on the floor was created using a centuries-old process employed in making covers and for hand-printed books. Different-coloured oil paints are poured onto the surface of a large tray filled with water. The paint floats and is swirled around with a stick. When paper sheets are places on the surface, they pick up the swirls of oil paint. Lifted and turned over, they look exactly like veined marble. The illusion is made complete with brushwork that adds further layer of textural detail to produce a convincing replica of a marble floor. This process was also used to create the marble floor of the [[Courtroom Ten| courtroom]] at the [[British Ministry of Magic Headquarters|headquarters of the Ministry of Magic]].

*In ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]'', the escape on a dragon clearly shows Whitehall across the Thames, placing Gringotts and therefore Diagon Alley itself around Southwark.

*In ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]'', the escape on a dragon clearly shows Whitehall across the Thames, placing Gringotts and therefore Diagon Alley itself around Southwark.

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*According to the [[Harry Potter films|film adaptations]] of the series, [[Harry Potter]]&apos;s vault is number 687.

+

*According to the [[Harry Potter films|film adaptations]] of the series, [[Harry Potter]]'s vault is number 687.

−

*[[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] [[Travers]] must have a vault in Gringotts, as he was holding a key while entering the bank when he encountered [[Hermione Granger]] disguised as [[Bellatrix Lestrange]] before she, Harry, and Ron robbed the bank<ref name="DH26"/>.

+

*[[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] [[Travers]] must have a vault in Gringotts, as he was holding a key while entering the bank when he encountered [[Hermione Granger]] disguised as [[Bellatrix Lestrange]] before she, Harry, and Ron robbed the bank.<ref name="DH26"/>

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*Gringotts appears to serve the wizarding world in the same way the US Federal Reserve stabilises the economy in the United States (as similar institutions exist in other economically stable countries). It independently maintains the balance of the British wizarding economy, disallowing individual wizards, witches or groups to manipulate national financial matters for personal gain. This would also explain part of the goblins&apos; resistance toward wizarding domination over the operation of Gringotts during the Second Wizarding War, that such interference by the Death Eater-controlled Ministry of Magic threatened the very economic stability of the wizarding community they were charged with protecting. Evidence that this may be the case appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, where Bogrod is seen examining [[leprechaun gold]] in disgust. Not only is such gold worthless, to allow it to continue to circulate would generate inflation, which in uncontrolled amounts, can be dangerous. Fortunately, leprechaun gold disappears fairly quickly, minimizing the problem.

+

*Gringotts appears to serve the wizarding world in the same way the US Federal Reserve stabilises the economy in the United States (as similar institutions exist in other economically stable countries). It independently maintains the balance of the British wizarding economy, disallowing individual wizards, witches or groups to manipulate national financial matters for personal gain. This would also explain part of the goblins' resistance toward wizarding domination over the operation of Gringotts during the Second Wizarding War, that such interference by the Death Eater-controlled Ministry of Magic threatened the very economic stability of the wizarding community they were charged with protecting. Evidence that this may be the case appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, where Bogrod is seen examining [[leprechaun gold]] in disgust. Not only is such gold worthless, to allow it to continue to circulate would generate inflation, which in uncontrolled amounts, can be dangerous. Fortunately, leprechaun gold disappears fairly quickly, minimizing the problem.

*According to W.O.M.B.A.T tests, Gringotts may be the oldest building in Diagon Alley and the other shops grew up around it.

*According to W.O.M.B.A.T tests, Gringotts may be the oldest building in Diagon Alley and the other shops grew up around it.

*If you look closely on the 422nd Quidditch World Cup Programme, you will see that Gringotts sponsors the 422nd Quidditch World Cup.

*If you look closely on the 422nd Quidditch World Cup Programme, you will see that Gringotts sponsors the 422nd Quidditch World Cup.

−

*The poem that reads at the entrance of Gringotts may have been inspired by the poem at the entrance of [[Wikipedia:Abandon_all_hope,_ye_who_enter_here#Overview|Hell]] in Dante&apos;s ''{{Wplink|The Divine Comedy}}''.

+

*The poem that reads at the entrance of Gringotts may have been inspired by the poem at the entrance of [[Wikipedia:Abandon_all_hope,_ye_who_enter_here#Overview|Hell]] in Dante's ''{{Wplink|The Divine Comedy}}''.

==Appearances==

==Appearances==

{{Imagecat|Images of Gringotts}}

{{Imagecat|Images of Gringotts}}

−

*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone|Harry Potter and the Philosopher&apos;s Stone]]'' {{1st}}

+

*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st}}

−

*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|Harry Potter and the Philosopher&apos;s Stone (film)]]''

During Voldemort's control of the Ministry (1997 to 1998), the bank was put yet again under the Ministry.[7] With the defeat of Voldemort and the end of the Second Wizarding War, Gringotts was presumably put back into Goblin management.

The break-in of 1991 was committed by Quirinus Quirrell, who was attempting to steal an object from Vault 713. The vault, one of the higher-security ones, held a small grubby bag, inside of which was the Philosopher's Stone. Albus Dumbledore sent Rubeus Hagrid to retrieve it while the latter was escorting Harry Potter to Diagon Alley. Later that very same day, someone, apparently a very powerful wizard, broke into the vault. Although he was unsuccessful in obtaining the Philosopher's Stone, the break-in shocked the Wizarding world because it was practically unheard of for Gringotts to be robbed. The culprit was not caught, though it is later learned Quirrell broke into the vault acting under orders from Lord Voldemort.

Gringotts is an imposing snow-white multistoried marble building located partway down Diagon Alley, near its intersection with Knockturn Alley, that towers over the neighbouring shops. It is the place where British witches and wizards store their money and other valuables, in heavily-guarded vaults miles below ground.

When Harry Potter first visits Gringotts, he is told by Hagrid that one would have to be mad to try to rob Gringotts and that, apart from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, it's the safest place for anything valuable to be kept. Goblins are extremely greedy and would protect their money and valuables at any cost, which makes them ideal guardians for the valuables of the wizarding world. The goblins have a code that forbids them to speak of the bank's secrets, and would consider it "base treachery" to break any part of that code.

The centuries-old bank is run by goblins, and they alone know the secrets of the twisting underground passages and the enchantments and creatures in place to defend against intruders. There was a rumour that Cornelius Fudge was trying to take over Gringotts when he was Minister for Magic; however, as it was published in The Quibbler, it was likely unsubstantiated.

From Diagon Alley, a set of white stairs leads up to a set of burnished bronze doors. The doors are flanked by a goblin in a uniform of scarlet and gold, though during the Second Wizarding War the goblin was replaced instead by two wizard guards with Probity Probes. This is the entrance to Gringotts, and it leads into a small entrance hall and another set of doors. Engraved on these silver doors are the words:

Enter, stranger, but take heedOf what awaits the sin of greedFor those who take, but do not earn,Must pay most dearly in their turn.So if you seek beneath our floorsA treasure that was never yours,Thief, you have been warned, bewareOf finding more than treasure there.

Inside Gringotts Bank.

Through these doors, also flanked with goblins, is a vast marble hall long counters stretching along its length with doors leading off to the vault passageways with around a hundred goblins sitting at them. The vaults extend for miles under the city and are accessible through rough stone, complex and interconnected passageways by means of magic carts that are operated by goblins. Dragons and other mysterious beasts lurk in the depths as additional security devices.

In contrast to the grand marble of the entryway and the main hall, the passageways to the vaults are stone and dimly lit with flaming torches. They slope down to a track, upon which run little carts controlled by the goblins. These carts take visitors deep beneath the surface of the earth, through a "maze of twisting passages," to the vaults. The carts go very quickly, which makes Hagrid a little queasy and prevents its occupants from getting a good look at their surroundings, and seem to run on a vast, complex, interconnected series of tracks that allow them to move to and between any vaults.

The vaults themselves vary in size and security. The largest, most well protected vaults belong to the oldest wizarding families and lie deepest beneath the surface. Those vaults closer to the surface seem to be smaller and have fewer security precautions surrounding them - they use keys, for example, rather than requiring the touch of a goblin to gain access. The rules around who is allowed to access vaults seem to change; sometimes wizards are asked for identification or a key to be allowed access, yet both Molly Weasley and Bill Weasley are able to get gold from Harry's vault for him.

It is possible there is a charm forcing the wizard to give the gold to its rightful owner. However, even this wouldn't explain how Sirius was able to order a Firebolt in Harry's name, but take the gold from his own vault - despite being an escaped convict at the time. It also seems that only blood relations can inherit a Gringotts vault; Albus Dumbledore implies strongly that when Sirius died as the last of the Black family line, his vault was cleaned out and its contents added to Harry's, rather than Harry inheriting the vault as well. There are several vaults that are known specifically:

This vault is known to contain lots and lots of Knuts inside it and people have to use the Mine Cart to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, yellow gems and Diamonds.

Harry Potter first ventured to Gringotts in 1991, when he learned that his late parents had left him a great deal of money in a vault. This was fortunate for Harry, since his Aunt Petunia and his Uncle Vernon would have surely taken most, if not all, as "proper compensation" for "opening their home" to him. While they would have had to exchange it for Muggle money, this appears to not be very difficult, as shown when Hermione Granger's parents did so while paying for her school supplies.

Harry's vault required a key for entry, and was at a moderate depth — further down than the Weasley Vault, but not as far as Vault 713. It also had fewer security measures than deeper vaults.[9]

Vault 711 belonged to Sirius Black, and perhaps to the Black family in general. Sirius used gold from his vault to pay for Harry Potter's Firebolt in 1993.[10] In 1996, it contained a "reasonable amount of gold".[11] Given its depth, it is likely a high-security vault. Upon Sirius' death, he left all the money in the vault to Harry in his will.

Vault 713, a higher-security vault, held a small grubby bag, inside of which was the Philosopher's Stone. Rubeus Hagrid was charged with moving it from Gringotts to Hogwarts in 1991 while he took Harry Potter to Diagon Alley, which he succeeded in doing. Later that very same day, someone, apparently a very powerful wizard, broke into the vault. Although he was unsuccessful in obtaining the Philosopher's Stone (it having been emptied earlier by Hagrid), the break-in shocked the Wizarding world because it was practically unheard of for Gringotts to be robbed, and the robbery was reported in the Daily Prophet.[9] The culprit was not caught, though we later learn that it was Professor Quirrell acting under orders of Lord Voldemort.

The security of this vault was even higher than that of Vault 713, as a goblin had to place his entire palm on the door to open it, rather than just a finger, and it was guarded by a dragon. Each item in the vault was also enchanted with the Flagrante and Gemino Curses, which meant that thieves would be burned by the objects, which also duplicated until the thief was crushed under the burning weight of the fake treasure.[12]

"I got it out of your vault for you, Harry, because it's taking about five hours for the public to get to their gold at the moment, the goblins have tightened security so much. Two days ago Arkie Philpott had a Probity Probe stuck up his ... Well, trust me, this way's easier."

Gringotts uses a variety of security systems. Most lower security vaults, such as Harry Potter's, require a key; higher security vaults require the touch of a certified Gringotts goblin. Higher security vaults may have various enchantments upon the doors. For example, the door to Vault 713 needs to be stroked by a certified Gringotts goblin, which causes it to melt away. If anyone but a Gringotts goblin touches the door, the person will be sucked into the vault, which is checked for trapped thieves about once per decade.

Dragons or sphinxes guard the highest security vaults such as the vault of the Lestrange Family. Though affiliated with Gringotts, the Dragons kept there are not actually "tamed" in the traditional way in that they are merely used to discourage intruders and unauthorised persons from approaching the vaults to which these beasts are stationed at; they are "domesticated" in inhumane ways that compels them to retreat whenever they perceive certain sounds, and They can only be produced by Clankers, which only the goblins possess. Another security measure is the Thief's Downfall: a charmed waterfall that the goblin carts must pass through, it cancels all enchantments and magical concealments, and throws the carts off their tracks. Some vaults use the Gemino and Flagrante charms; when any item is touched by a thief, it multiplies rapidly and burns them, eventually crushing and scorching them to death. Objects within Gringotts cannot be summoned. At times, Probity Probes are used on customers to detect enchantments, magical concealments and hidden magical objects

On his first visit to Gringotts, Harry was told by Hagrid to be cautious. Goblins are extremely greedy and would protect their money and valuables at any cost, which makes them ideal guardians for the valuables of the wizarding world. Ironically, Harry later did rob Gringotts with Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley,[12] the only known successful theft in the history of the bank, by taking advantage of a former employee's knowledge of the inner workings of the bank. It is unknown if Harry was able to resume normal business with the bank following Voldemort's defeat.

"Are you seeking a challenging career involving travel, adventure, and substantial, danger-related treasure bonuses? Then consider a position with Gringotts Wizarding Bank, who are currently recruiting Curse-Breakers for thrilling opportunities abroad"

While Gringotts is largely staffed by goblins, including Griphook, Bogrod, and Ragnok, it is known that the bank does employ humans. Bill Weasley works as a Curse Breaker for Gringotts in Egypt, retrieving artefacts from ancient Egyptian tombs and pyramids after his graduation from Hogwarts. When he wanted to do work for the Order of the Phoenix, Bill transferred to a desk job in England to be near home. That same year, Fleur Delacour took a job at Gringotts as well after participating in the Triwizard Tournament, to improve her English, though she only works part-time.

At least during Harry Potter's break in of the bank, there seems to be a full-time security force that is comprised of wizard guards, and that rushes to the scene when the Lestrange vault was broken into. Despite this, Griphook mentions at that time that the goblins resent "wand-bearer" interference in their internal affairs.

Gringotts has no known competition in the wizarding banking industry, and is most surely a monopoly in Britain. Given that the bank is, according to Rubeus Hagrid, the only wizarding bank in Great Britain, it stands to reason that the goblins would have a tremendous amount of power over the wizarding economy, as goblins are also the force behind minting the wizarding currency, Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts.[13] It is likely therefore, as goblins tend to be at odds with wizards on political and social levels, that the Ministry of Magic has laws set in place to stop Gringotts intentionally regulating the wizarding economy, likely through the Goblin Liaison Office.

The marble tile on the floor was created using a centuries-old process employed in making covers and for hand-printed books. Different-coloured oil paints are poured onto the surface of a large tray filled with water. The paint floats and is swirled around with a stick. When paper sheets are places on the surface, they pick up the swirls of oil paint. Lifted and turned over, they look exactly like veined marble. The illusion is made complete with brushwork that adds further layer of textural detail to produce a convincing replica of a marble floor. This process was also used to create the marble floor of the courtroom at the headquarters of the Ministry of Magic.

Gringotts appears to serve the wizarding world in the same way the US Federal Reserve stabilises the economy in the United States (as similar institutions exist in other economically stable countries). It independently maintains the balance of the British wizarding economy, disallowing individual wizards, witches or groups to manipulate national financial matters for personal gain. This would also explain part of the goblins' resistance toward wizarding domination over the operation of Gringotts during the Second Wizarding War, that such interference by the Death Eater-controlled Ministry of Magic threatened the very economic stability of the wizarding community they were charged with protecting. Evidence that this may be the case appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, where Bogrod is seen examining leprechaun gold in disgust. Not only is such gold worthless, to allow it to continue to circulate would generate inflation, which in uncontrolled amounts, can be dangerous. Fortunately, leprechaun gold disappears fairly quickly, minimizing the problem.

According to W.O.M.B.A.T tests, Gringotts may be the oldest building in Diagon Alley and the other shops grew up around it.

If you look closely on the 422nd Quidditch World Cup Programme, you will see that Gringotts sponsors the 422nd Quidditch World Cup.

The poem that reads at the entrance of Gringotts may have been inspired by the poem at the entrance of Hell in Dante's The Divine Comedy.